Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud has said the government will do what it takes to preserve the literary works of iconic lyricist Gazi Mazharul Anwar, who died last week, at the Bangladesh Film Development Corporation (BFDC).

"With over 20,000 songs and many other literary works, Gazi Mazharul Anwar cemented his legacy as one of the most prolific Bangla songwriters in history. His family and co-workers must find and collect all of his works, and we will preserve those at the new complex of the BFDC," the minister said.

"I have been a lifelong fan of music, and works of the late songsmith have been a great part of my life – our lives. His majestic songs, from 'Akasher Haatey Achhe Ek Rash Neel' to the thrilling patriotic track 'Joy Bangla, Banglar Joy' – are our treasures."

Hasan was speaking at a memorial meeting on the life and works of the legendary lyricist organised at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) Monday.

Gazi Mazharul's wife Zohra Gazi, eminent lyricist Mohammad Rafiquzzaman, BSA Director General Liaquat Ali Lucky, and the acting president of the Lyricists Association of Bangladesh Liton Adhikary Rintu also joined the programme organised by the Lyricists Association of Bangladesh and the BSA.

Popular singers, lyricists, composers and instrumentalists of the country including Sheikh Sadi Khan, Naquib Khan, Khurshid Alam, Abida Sultana, Rafiqul Alam, Kumar Bishwajit, Moniruzzaman Monir, Foad Nasser Babu, Monir Khan, Robi Chowdhuri, Asif Iqbal, Zulfiqer Russell and others were present at the event alongside Gazi Mazharul Anwar's son Sarfaraz Anwar Upol and daughter Dithi Anwar, also a singer.